Bicycle Collisions

Bikes simply do not get the respect they deserve. They reduce pollution, free up Florida's congested roadways and provide a health benefit that our nation is sorely lacking. Even so, drivers continue to act in reckless or careless ways when around cyclists. In fact, many of these drivers go out of their way to let bikers know that they are not welcome on roads.

Although cyclists should practice extreme caution when operating their bike on Florida roads, drivers also have a responsibility to provide a safe atmosphere for those on public thoroughfares. When drivers do not follow through on this responsibility, the results can be disastrous. There is little to protect cyclists from the negligent actions of drivers, and for this reason, injuries are quite common. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Florida, it is vital that you work with a qualified Florida automobile accident attorney to make certain the offending party is held accountable for their actions.

Melbourne Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Having a well-respected and long-standing Florida law firm at your side during litigation can mean the difference between full compensation for your injuries and financial liability for all costs. We are here to make certain that you pay nothing for the negligence of others.

Our firm, The Law Offices of James B. Coulter, has been serving individuals and families throughout Central Florida for several years now and have produced strong results for those we represent. Our commitment to a fact-based approach that weighs only the relevant details of your case to produce a concise argument will help to produce timely results so you can get back to living your life.

We handle all stages of the litigation process, from gathering evidence to valuing your injuries. This comprehensive approach allows us to develop the strongest possible case while leaving nothing to chance. Our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning that we will only collect lawyer fees based on the results of the case and not the hours worked.

As a Melbourne based legal practice, we are conveniently located to provide counsel to individuals in Brevard County, Orange County, Seminole County, Indian River County and Osceola County. This includes Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, Rockledge, Indian Harbour Beach, and other areas.

We offer free initial consultations for anyone who believes they have a valid bicycle accident injury claim. To schedule a meeting time with our attorney, please call (321) 586-9944 or send an online message today.

Bicycle Collision Information Center

Florida Bicycle Laws and Regulations

The state of Florida has extensive laws, regulations and best practices when it comes to riding a bicycle. The primary laws regarding bicycle operation on roads can be found in §316.2065 of the Florida Statutes. Of the ones listed, the primary laws to keep in mind include:

A cyclist is required to obey all traffic controls and signals.

A cyclist must use a fixed, regular seat while riding their bicycle

No bicycle can carry more passenger than it was manufactured to

At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding a bicycle.

Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor ward to violate any laws or regulations within §316.2065.

Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

Another important rule to keep in mind is that, when riding on sidewalks or crosswalks, a cyclist has the same rights as a pedestrian, but they must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give audible signal before passing.

Additionally, a bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride in a designated bike lane, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.

Bicycle Safety

There are a few considerations to keep in mind in order to practice safe cycling while in Florida. Some of the most important include:

Never ride against traffic - Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.

Follow lane markings – Do not turn left from the right lane. Do not go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”

Do not pass on the right - Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.

Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.

Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.

Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones - Always wear a helmet. Never wear a headphone while riding a bike.

Use lights at night – You should use a light visible from at least 500 feet ahead, and a rear reflector or taillight visible up to 300 feet from behind.

Bicycle Accident Damages

Considering the lack of protection and safety risks that cyclists are prone to, the possibility of injury is much higher. Bicycle accidents can lead to head injuries, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, broken bones, fractures and muscle tears.

During the litigation process, your attorney will pursue 'damages' from the defendant. Damages are a legal term for the costs related to these injuries. These can be both economic and non-economic. The most common damages in a bicycle claim include:

Medical Costs

Pain and Suffering

Rehabilitation Bills

Mental Anguish

Loss of Wages

Reduced Earning Capacity

Loss of enjoyment of life

Permanent Disfigurement

Bicycle Accident Resources

NGTSA – Bicycles – This links to the bicycle page within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. It contains information on bicycle helmets, safety tips, state laws, current events and learning materials for children.

Florida's Pedestrian & Bicycling Safety – This link directs you to the University of Florida PedBike resource center. Topics on this site include safety issues, important laws and policies, how to incorporate walking and biking into your commute to work or school, places to walk and bike, special events, plus trail and tour maps.

Florida Bicycle Laws – Understanding the laws regarding bicycles in the state of Florida can keep you insulated from arguments stating you broke a law prior to incurring an injury. This link provides the major parts of state law that relate to bicycles.

The Law Offices of James B. Coulter | Brevard County Bike Injury Attorney

It is important to begin the litigation process immediately following a bicycle accident. With the help of our experienced attorney, you can quickly identify the offending party and demand compensation in the form of damages. The process can be lengthy and complicated, so having a strong legal strategy that efficiently details wrongdoing and proves negligence in a timely manner.

We at The Law Offices of James B. Coulter are fiercely concerned with protecting your legal rights and will stick with you every step of the way, proudly standing up to the selfish interests of defendants and insurance companies. Honest, proactive and committed, our attorney has the integrity necessary to guide you through litigation.

Our firm is based in Brevard County and our attorney works with individuals throughout Central Florida, including the cities of Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, Viera, Cape Canaveral, Orlando, Apopka, Daytona Beach, Altamonte Springs, Indian Harbour Beach and Palm Bay, among others. We offer free and confidential initial consultations for all potential clients, so if you would like to sit down and discuss your bicycle injury with a qualified attorney, please call (321) 586-9944 or send an online message today.

The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only. The legal information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult a criminal defense lawyer in Orlando, FL, for advice regarding your own individual situation.

We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us, however, does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until after an attorney-client relationship has been established.